6 Myths About Sleep

We live in an always-on, communications-driven world where Jay Leno and the Internet are just a few of life's many distractions that cut into our sleep. The average American is only getting six to seven hours of sleep each night, and many are convinced they can function with even fewer. Although some people appear unaffected by pulling an all-nighter, most of us struggle to perform after a night of tossing and turning, with our attention spans and reaction times being the first skills to suffer.

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However, it is important to be realistic. Because of outside factors like work schedules, social lives and children, eight hours of sleep each night is hard to come by. Focusing on the quality of sleep you do get is the key. Although sleep isn't optional, your sleep environment is, and making sure you're resting under optimum circumstances puts you in control of your sleep cycle and energy level. You might not be able to sleep longer, but you can certainly sleep better.

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MYTH #2: Medication is the only answer to sound sleep.

There's a time and place for sleeping medications, but poor sleepers commonly overlook simple things they can do to help themselves, including taking control of their sleep environment. Constant tossing and turning is one of the leading inhibitors of a sound sleep, and often stems from the uncomfortable pressure points created by a mattress. Many manufacturers are designing mattresses with technology to alleviate pressure points, like Sealy's new Posturepedic Innerspring line. Additionally, eliminating sound and light, removing pets from the bed and optimizing the bedroom temperature are necessary first steps to getting a better night's sleep.

MYTH #3: Coffee in the morning won't keep me awake at night.

Drinking coffee is as common as waking up in the morning for many Americans. And caffeine is the most frequently used social drug in the United States. Yes, it's a drug; the effects of caffeine are much more powerful than we give them credit for. Caffeine can last up to 12 hours or more in certain individuals and can seriously prohibit your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Anyone who regularly tosses and turns at night should consider removing some or all caffeine from their diet.

MYTH #4: It's OK to ignore insomnia, even if it's mild.

Some types of psychiatric disorders, including depression, have a strong association with consistent, long-term problems falling and staying asleep. Although it has yet to be proven that correcting sleep disorders reduces and normalizes the risk of these problems, it's smart to pursue professional help if do-it-yourself sleep methods aren't working.

MYTH #5: It's normal to sleep poorly as we age.

While it's true that people sleep lighter and wake up more often as they get older, it is not normal or acceptable to feel fatigued or sleepy during the day on a regular basis. Grogginess during the day is not normal and should not be blamed solely on your sleep habits at night. If you're constantly tired during the day, consult with your doctor to get to the root of the problem.

MYTH #6: Going to a sleep lab is my only option.

For those suffering from excessive fatigue or suspected sleep apnea, a critical part of any sleep assessment package is a trip to the sleep lab to have your habits evaluated and monitored closely. However, it is not necessary for people with restless sleep or mild insomnia. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms for tips and treatment – it will most likely save you money and yield more accurate results than visiting a specialty lab.

Dr. W. Vaughn McCall is a professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and is also a member of the Sealy Orthopedic Advisory Board (OAB), a counsel of top orthopedic surgeons, researchers and clinicians from leading universities and medical centers that offer perspectives on the nature of sleep and product development to better meet the evolving needs of consumers.